- Manchester United offered the chance to sign Barcelona star
- Catalan giants open to exit for substantial fee
- Balde has fallen down pecking order under Hansi Flick
Manchester United have been comfortable with their left-back for several years. Despite question marks over the long-term fitness of Luke Shaw, the Englishman has remained the number one man in his position.
In terms of availability, Shaw has had one of his best for United in recent years. He is on track to start in every Premier League match this season. However, his minor injury scare against Brentford puts that personal record in doubt. Nevertheless, it is a massive upgrade in availability from last season, where he started just seven league games under Ruben Amorim.
Yet the time has come to replace the 30-year-old, where age is catching up to him. He is no longer the explosive fullback he once was, and is comfortable at centre-back in his later career.
Therefore, Patrick Dorgu was brought into the club. Fortunately for Shaw’s minutes, the Dane looks more comfortable at left wing than at left-back. It still calls for a new left-back to be brought into the side this summer, at least for depth’s sake. Only Harry Amass, who has been out on loan this season, is the next natural fill-in. Both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can fill in there, too if required.
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Manchester United Waiting on Alejandro Balde
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Manchester United are interested in signing FC Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
The interest is at a very early stage, but United would be “willing” to test the waters and make a move “as long as the footballer accepts”. The report for SPORT also mentions that “Barça would not object” if a substantial offer was made for the Spaniard.
The 22-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in the starting eleven. Sport says: “He has lost his place in Hansi Flick’s system, his contract expires in 2028, and the club is exploring the market for left-backs, in addition to trying to sign João Cancelo, who is a regular starter on that flank.”
Although Flick’s side “will not force any move and leave in the hands of its agent, Jorge Mendes” to move forward with any negotiations or proposals. Mendes has brokered several moves to Old Trafford such as Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, Nani, Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria and Jose Mourinho in recent years.
In this case, with Balde, the major blocking point is that the player is currently happy in the Catalan city. The fullback has shown no desire to leave the La Liga club. Balde has started 19 league games, with cracks starting to show in Flick’s trust due to reliability and quality concerns.
Replacing Shaw is Next Summer’s Decision
To the Reds’ benefit, Balde is no longer considered a “non-transferable player”. At a fee of €50m, which is roughly £43m, he represents a steal for a 22-year-old with such a high ceiling.
Shaw’s contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2027. By then, United will reach a crossroads regarding the Englishman’s future. It is a predicament similar to Harry Maguire’s recent one-year extension. If INEOS can negotiate Shaw down from his current £150,000-a-week salary, they will likely value keeping his experience in the dressing room.
Especially given his fitness turnaround this season, United shouldn’t feel pressured to panic-buy a starting left-back. However, they may still target a deputy or choose to fast-track Harry Amass into the senior setup ahead of the gruelling 2026/27 season. Given Shaw’s tendency to follow a strong campaign with a dip in form, the club must anticipate this.
Should Balde become available, he is the kind of exception to the rule that forces you to bite the bullet. He perfectly fits the INEOS profile too as a young, hungry and value-for-money option. The only criterion he is not hitting at the moment is wanting to move to Old Trafford.
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